Traditional villages that you must visit in Bali

As a world-renowned tourist destination, Bali is known not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich and sacred cultural heritage that remains intact amidst modernization. In fact, Bali still has several traditional villages deeply rooted in local culture and exclusively inhabited by native residents.

Penglipuran Village

One of the most renowned traditional villages in Bali is Penglipuran Village. This village is celebrated as a top tourist destination, often referred to by various titles such as Cultural Village, Tourism Village, and Traditional Village. Did you know that Penglipuran Village has been recognized as one of the cleanest villages in the world by UNESCO? It has earned numerous accolades, including the Kalpataru Award, the Indonesia Sustainable Tourism Award (ISTA) in 2017, and recognition as one of the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations. In 2023, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) honored it as the Best Tourism Village.

You might be wondering, is this village really that clean and beautiful? To find out, you need to visit Penglipuran Village yourself and experience it firsthand. As you step into the village, you’ll likely notice a lot of visitors. This is no surprise, as Penglipuran Village is one of the most popular traditional tourist destinations in Bali.

What’s Penglipuran Village Offers for You?

Visitors come here to witness the unique charm of Penglipuran Village. The village offers a serene and authentic Balinese atmosphere that has been preserved as it was in the past. From the neatly arranged traditional houses with Balinese architectural details, to the clean, litter-free environment, fresh air, and the warm hospitality of the locals Penglipuran Village truly embodies the essence of Bali. Despite being a popular tourist spot, Penglipuran Village is fully inhabited by local residents. You can even enter their homes to get a closer look at their daily lives. Some residents also sell handicrafts, traditional foods, and paintings that you can purchase as souvenirs or keepsakes. However, it’s important to always be respectful and practice good manners when visiting. By doing so, we help maintain the charm of this traditional village and foster mutual respect.

Entrance Fee:

Domestic Tourists: IDR 25,000 (adults) and IDR 15,000 (children)

International Tourists: IDR 50,000 (adults) and IDR 30,000 (children)

Location: Jl. Penglipuran, Kubu, Bangli District, Bangli Regency, Bali

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Trunyan Village

Bali is home to many traditional villages, each offering a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage and unique traditions. One of the most fascinating traditional villages is Trunyan Village, known for its extraordinary burial practices. Unlike the common Balinese cremation ceremony, or ngaben, Trunyan Village practices a unique tradition where the deceased are laid under the sacred Taru Menyan tree, surrounded by bamboo fences and wrapped in white cloth.

You might wonder, doesn’t this burial method cause an unpleasant smell as the bodies decompose? Surprisingly, in this traditional village, the Taru Menyan tree emits a natural fragrance that neutralizes any odor from the decomposing bodies, making this practice not only unique but also captivating.

This tradition has specific criteria: only those who pass away naturally, are married, and have complete bodies are laid to rest under the Taru Menyan tree in an area called Sema Wayah. The community buries those who die unnaturally, such as in accidents, suicides, or homicides, in a separate area called Sema Bantas. They also bury babies, young children, and unmarried adults in a designated area known as Sema Muda.

While Trunyan Village is one of the most famous traditional villages in Bali, it’s not the only one. Other traditional villages, such as Penglipuran, also showcase the diversity and beauty of Balinese culture. Visiting these villages offers a deeper understanding of Bali’s traditions and a chance to connect with its ancestral roots.

For those interested in visiting Trunyan Village, you can reach it by land or, if you’re near Lake Batur in Kintamani, rent a canoe or boat to cross directly to the village.

Location: Terunyan, Kec. Kintamani, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali

Tenganan Village

Bali is home to many traditional villages, each preserving unique cultural practices and traditions. Among them, Tenganan Village stands out for its distinctive characteristics as a cultural destination that reflects Bali’s pre-Majapahit era. As one of the Bali Aga villages, meaning “ancient villages,” Tenganan showcases a lifestyle deeply rooted in Bali Aga (pre-Hindu) traditions, setting it apart from other traditional villages in Bali.

This village is exclusively inhabited by its original residents, with no outsiders or mixed populations, a practice uncommon in many other traditional villages. Tenganan adheres to a parental system, where men and women have equal inheritance rights, and follows endogamy, requiring marriages to occur only among fellow villagers. Those who violate this rule are no longer recognized as members of the community.

One of the most unique traditions found in this traditional village is Mekare-kare, or the pandanus war. This ritual pays homage to their ancestors and Dewa Indra, the god of war, commemorating his victory over Maya Denawa, a tyrannical ruler. Mekare-kare is held annually in June during the Ngusaba Sambah ceremony, which lasts for 30 days.

Tenganan is also famous for its double ikat Gringsing woven fabric, a rare craft found in only a few traditional villages worldwide. The weaving process is highly intricate, often taking up to three years to complete. Visitors to Tenganan can witness the weaving process firsthand and even try on traditional attire.

With its rich cultural heritage and unique traditions, Tenganan Village is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Bali’s traditional villages.

Location: Jl. 1 Gusti Ngurah, Pesedahan, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali

Tigawasa Village

Tigawasa Village is a village in Buleleng that still preserves its ancient traditions. In this bamboo weaving craft-producing village, there is no concept of cremation. Instead, the village performs the ngaben ceremony by burying the body rather than burning it. The burial process is quite unique, as the body is not placed in a coffin but is simply wrapped in batik cloth and buried directly. Generations have actively preserved this tradition. Another distinctive tradition of Tigawasa, Meboros Kidang (deer hunting), involves using the hunted deer as an offering in the pecaruan ceremony to celebrate the Sipeng Adat (village Nyepi).

Location: Tigawasa, Kec. Banjar, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali

Nyuh Kuning Village

Nyuh Kuning Village is one of the most famous traditional villages in Ubud, known for preserving its rich traditions. This charming village is built on the concept of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony between humans and nature, humans and each other, and humans and God.

What makes this traditional village special is the beautiful frangipani trees that line its streets. Did you know there are over 5,000 frangipani trees in this village? These trees are planted throughout Nyuh Kuning as part of the community’s effort to preserve its natural beauty. To truly experience the unique charm of this traditional village, you can stay in the homes of friendly locals. Many of these homes serve as cozy homestays, with prices ranging from IDR 250,000 to 350,000 per night. If you prefer more privacy, you can choose a villa through Ubud Villas Rental.

While staying in Nyuh Kuning, you’ll also have the chance to watch traditional Balinese dance performances held at local temples. This is an experience that captures the true essence of life in this beautiful traditional village.

Location: Jl. Nyuh Bulan No.24, MAS, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali

Experience the Authentic Charm of Bali’s Traditional Villages

Exploring the unique traditional villages in Bali, rich in culture, natural beauty, and authentic traditions, will surely make your vacation even more enjoyable. Some of the best recommendations, like Penglipuran Village and others, are must-visit destinations to experience the true essence of Bali. Don’t forget to plan your accommodation! Stay at Villa Ubud Villas Rental for a comfortable and unforgettable experience.